1957 Larson Thunderhawk

July 19th, 2008, 09:12 PM

I have come across one of the neatest looking boats with it's factory trailer (Tear drop wheel fenders looks like someone stole they of an old Cord ).
It's a 1957 Thunderhawk by Larson, it is a little rough but complete except for it's motor. It has wings on the back and what looks more like signal lights on the bow than nav lights.
My question is that there are cracks in the floor that goes toward the lenght of the boat. They laid the stringers flat instead of up and down which is why there are cracks.
To repair this type would it be the same princesible as the up and down type stringers or is there more to the flooring than I can see.
Any idea of what size of motor was on this as there is no placard as to HP size or weigh limit.

Comment

i think in '57 the 30 or 35 were the powerhouses of the day. should probably hold a 2 cylinder 50 very nicely. it would not have placard or HIN. they were not required until 1972. where are the pictures??

FLORIDA GATORS
TEBOW Country

Please, NO PM's (Private Messages) regarding boat/engine problems. they will not be answered.
That is what these forums are for. Post your questions, in the appropriate Forum.

Comment

A late 50's 35hp Big Twin would be a perfect match for that boat. It's what the boat was designed for. There are tons of them around, and for really reasonable prices. Parts are available, and they're dead easy to work on.

Just avoid any with electric shift.

My choice would be a 1957 Javelin. Great looks. Second choice would be a 1958 RDS-20 Super Seahorse. Also great looks.

Sure...go ahead and laugh at my old aluminum boat. It's paid for!

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CAT is right, a late 50's 35hp Big Twin or early 60's 40 hp twin would be just the ticket. The only difference between E-rude and Johnson motors in the 50's is the cowls and paint colors. Both are easy to work on and maintain, but the Johson's get my vote (a slim preference) cause the cowls are easier to open...they open up, front or rear. E-rudes of that era are hinged across the top, like a clamshell...no prob on land but kind of a pain on the water. The larger, one-piece cowls on later models are easy to pull when you have to.

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I was hoping for those answers on hp as I was given a white 1963 Westbend twin cly. 35hp with electric start a while back.
I will be starting a new thread in the next couple of days as soon as I can get all the pictures put together.

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Hi jusfloatin' I also have a '57 thunderhawk. It's the jr model, 14 1/2 ft with a johnson super seahorse 35hp motor. It's definately a project and I'll be start the sanding on it today. I too love the fins, gives it much charactor. If anyone has any info about this boat, please contact me. I'm looking to do a complete restore and I hardly know where to begin. The fiberglass is in pretty good shape, nothing major but it looks real ugly right now. I'm attaching some pics. I know the black is not original.

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Well some new news, as I was digging out the junk and debrie I found the placard as it turns out it is a 1959 not a 57.
It is rated for a max 60hp with a capacity of 1525lbs.
It also has 2 plates on the transom where the motor clamps tighten onto. They are spead out as if it was intended to run twin motors.
Could this be?

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Hi jusfloatin' I also have a '57 thunderhawk. It's the jr model, 14 1/2 ft with a johnson super seahorse 35hp motor. It's definately a project and I'll be start the sanding on it today. I too love the fins, gives it much charactor. If anyone has any info about this boat, please contact me. I'm looking to do a complete restore and I hardly know where to begin. The fiberglass is in pretty good shape, nothing major but it looks real ugly right now. I'm attaching some pics. I know the black is not original.

What's the progress on this boat? I would love to see new pics.

A Conservative from Liberal (Kansas)

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I am new to this forum and actually new to all forums. I have a Larson Thunderhawk Jr. with a 70 hp. Keikhaufer Mercury engine. Been in my family for 30 years. Always stored inside and in pretty good overall condition. Does anyone know where can I get an idea what the boat and moter is worth? The boat is a blast to drive. I just don't have the time or skill to fix the dock dings in the fiberglass. It has been taking up space in my garage for the past four years.

Comment

I am new to this forum and actually new to all forums. I have a Larson Thunderhawk Jr. with a 70 hp. Keikhaufer Mercury engine. Been in my family for 30 years. Always stored inside and in pretty good overall condition. Does anyone know where can I get an idea what the boat and moter is worth? The boat is a blast to drive. I just don't have the time or skill to fix the dock dings in the fiberglass. It has been taking up space in my garage for the past four years.

As for what they are worth realy depends on so many factors with the first question is how long are you prepaired to wait for a collector/fancier to come along.

They are uniqe with some great lines.

For those woundering about my project:
it has been started and I am at the point of splitting the top half off.
I have been able to pick up 2 complete 57 electric start Big twins
Here is a picture of one of those.